Ruth E. Wirshing, 76, of Big Lake and formerly of Albert Lea, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, at the Annandale Care Center of Annandale. Visitation will be Saturday March 3, 2012, from 1 to 2 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. at Peterson-Grimsmo Chapel, 250 East Broadway, Monticello. Private interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery of Minneapolis. Funeral arrangements are with the Peterson-Grimsmo Chapel of Monticello.

Ruth was born on Aug. 24, 1935, in Glenvilla, N.D., to John and Susanna (Redmann) Voegele. On Dec. 1, 1965, she was united in marriage to Frank Wirshing in Stanton, N.D. The couple moved to Albert Lea in 1966 and then to Big Lake in 1997. Ruth enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening and canning. She was a member of the Albert Lea American Legion and VFW Auxiliary.

She is survived by stepson, Rodney (Ellen) Wirshing, of Lolo, Mont.; step-daughter, Linda (Mike) Wipf of Gillette, Wyo.; sister, Susan Delzer of Williston, N.D.; seven grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, and daughter, Fay Okronglis.